California

State Farm has a P.A.R.T.Y. in Folsom

Vehicle-related fatalities are the top cause of death of teens. It is a reason why State Farm is heavily involved in programs aimed at teen driver safety and good teen choices.

One of the programs State Farm sponsors is the Prevent Alcohol and Risk related Trauma in Youth Program, or P.A.R.T.Y. In association with Mercy Hospital Folsom and the Folsom Police and Fire Departments, the program is designed to educate freshmen and sophomore high school students the dangers of risky behaviors, including the use of drugs and alcohol.

“As a community, educating teens on making the right choices should be a top priority,” said State Farm Agent Audrey Smith-Wiberg, who has been involved in the program. “P.A.R.T.Y. shows teens the impact those choices have on their lives and those of their friends, families and community.”

The program begins by showing an automobile collision and with the health of the Police and Fire Department, takes students through first response and beyond. From there small groups of students are taken through the hospital trauma unit, activities that simulate the effects of traumatic brain injuries, followed by a panel discussion with those who suffered traumatic brain injury. Finally, they hear from a guest speaker who speaks to the human impact of losing a loved one through an alcohol/drug related vehicle collision. Through the program, students are encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences.

P.A.R.T.Y. is in their second year in the Greater Sacramento Region. The presentation is held on the first Friday of every month. For more details, contact P.A.R.T.Y. coordinator Vicky Fitzgerald at vickfitz@aol.com or visit www.partyprogram.com

National Teen Driver Safety Week is held every year during the second week of October. For more information on Teen Driver Safety, go to teendriving.statefarm.com.